The effect of cadaveric hands-on training model on surgical skills and confidence for transobturator tape surgery

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the role of cadaveric hands-on training model on surgical skills and confidence levels of surgeons during transobturator tape (TOT) surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A pre-test and post-test evaluation to measure skills during the practice of the steps of TOT surgery was performed on a total of 15 postgraduate urologists and gynecologists during a urogynecologic cadaveric dissection course. The course was shaped with regard to theoretical lessons, full pelvic cadaveric dissection and TOT surgery on cadavers. RESULTS: Good handling of the TOT needle, identifying the right place for groin incision, adequate size of groin incision, identifying the right place for incision at the anterior vagina, dissection of bladder pillars from the vagina, identifying the right place at the vaginal foramina for TOT needle exit, and good placement of mesh were reviewed. The post-test scores were statistically significant for all parameters and also for self confidence level (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Cadaveric workshops are important landmarks of surgical education to improve surgical skills, and gain experience and confidence.